Weekly Dvar Torah: The Double Comfort of Redemption – From Tisha B’Av to Tu B’Av

In the weeks following Tisha B’Av, we enter a period of consolation, marked by the double consolement we receive from G-d in the reading of the Haftorah:נַחֲמוּ נַחֲמוּ עַמִּי יֹאמַר אֱלֹקיכֶם = “Be consoled, be consoled My people, says your G d”, alongside the joyous holiday of Tu B’Av. This transition from mourning to celebration embodies a deep and transformative message within Jewish tradition.

Tisha B’Av, is a day marked by collective grief and reflection on the challenges faced by the Jewish people. Yet, this period of mourning is followed by the seven weeks of consolation and the holiday of Tu B’Av, a day celebrated as one of the greatest holidays in the Jewish calendar.

Tu B’Av is celebrated on the 15th of the month of Av, a day when the full moon shines brightly in the night sky. This symbolism of the full moon is not merely a celestial occurrence; it reflects a deeper, spiritual message. Just as the moon reaches its full glory on this day, so too does the Jewish people experience a resurgence of hope and light after the darkness of Tisha B’Av.

In Jewish tradition, the moon is a symbol of cyclical renewal. Just as the moon waxes and wanes, so too do the Jewish people experience cycles of glory and exile. The full moon on Tu B’Av following Tisha B’Av, represents a peak in this cycle, a moment of shining brightness that follows a period of profound darkness.

The moon’s light, which is borrowed from the sun, symbolizes the way in which the Jewish people derive strength from their faith and traditions, even in times of adversity. The sun, representing the nations of the world, provides light but does not experience the same cyclical changes as the moon. This distinction highlights the unique nature of the Jewish experience.

On Tu B’Av, as the moon is at its fullest, the sun’s summer influence begins to wane. This subtle shift represents the diminishing power of the nations that have historically oppressed the Jewish people. It is a metaphor for the weakening of their influence and the strengthening of the Jewish people’s own light and potential.

The transition from Tisha B’Av to Tu B’Av illustrates a powerful redemption arc. The period of mourning is followed by a significant ascent, symbolizing hope and renewal. This is not just a superficial change but a profound transformation that highlights the resilience and enduring spirit of the Jewish people.

Historically, this theme of redemption is mirrored in the era of King Solomon, who reigned during the 15th generation since Abraham. This period was marked by Jewish sovereignty and global respect. The analogy of the full moon on Tu B’Av reflects this historical high point, demonstrating the potential for future redemption and glory.

This year, the timing of Tu B’Av in the aftermath of Tisha B’Av has been deeply personal for me. The recent passing of Miriam Mintz, the beloved wife of my young friend Mendel Mintz, has cast a shadow over our community. Miriam’s passing is a profound loss, and my heart is heavy with grief for Mendel and their family. I am deeply saddened by the sudden departure of Miriam, who, together with Mendel, was a beacon of hope and positivity in our community.

Just two years ago, I had the joy of witnessing Mendel and Miriam’s wedding in Baltimore. Their love and commitment to each other were a source of inspiration. Mendel’s heartfelt toast at the wedding, emphasizing the power of will and perseverance, resonated deeply with me. We all looked forward to seeing the positive impact they would have on the world. Their recent new Shlichus in Maryland and their visit to the Ohel for a blessing were moments of profound anticipation and hope for me personally.

The timing of Miriam’s passing before Tisha B’Av and the getting up from Shiva just before Tu B’Av, seems to underscore the message of double consolement. In the face of such deep sorrow, we are reminded of the promise of redemption and the eventual triumph of light over darkness. Mendel’s resilience and faith are a testament to the enduring strength of the Jewish spirit. I believe that the double consolement G-d has in store for Mendel and for all of us is beyond our imagination. Mendel’s journey, though marked by personal loss, is also a path towards profound and transformative blessings.

The transition from Tisha B’Av to Tu B’Av is a reminder that even in our deepest sorrows, there is the promise of renewal and redemption. As we move forward, we hold on to the hope that the light that follows our darkest times will be more radiant than ever before.

We await the ultimate redemption with bated breath, eager to see the fulfillment of G-d’s promises and the arrival of Moshiach. In the meantime, we find strength in our faith, in our community, and in the memory of those we have lost. May the light of Tu B’Av guide us towards a future filled with hope, renewal, and ultimate redemption.

Have a Shabbos of double comfort,
Gut Shabbos

Rabbi Yosef Katzman